Crossroads

What’s next for Alex? Her latest success brings her tougher challenges. Foremost is how to sustain her solitary journey. Just as there is only one EJ Obiena whose successful comeback found him gold in foggy Taiwan. And Carlos Yulo, who just walked down the red carpet with his yellow magnet. The pole vaulter and gymnast are not getting any younger. Los Angeles could be Obiena’s last attempt at Olympic glory. And by then Yulo might be too bone tired to twist his body. At 19, Eala is just starting.

Just like many kids who stood out in the juniors tour, she was feared to get lost in transition to the seniors tour. But suddenly, Eala shocked the tennis world with her giant-slaying assault in Miami, barged to the top 100 with the biggest leap of 65 places. Ever. But still, there is no guarantee.

Then 18-year-old Emma Raducano won the US Open and reportedly earned about a billion in endorsements. She was predicted the future of tennis, only to slump in the slams, including the other teener she slammed in the final. Then 19-year-old Leylah Fernandez is likewise hardly felt in high-level competition.

During awarding ceremony in 2021, the Canadian of Filipino descent nodded when told they were seen to start a rivalry. Both fizzled out like a shooting star. Emma might go down in history as a one-slam wonder and Leylah a one-slam wanderer. It’s not their fault though.

The depth of women’s tour prevents and breaks monopoly. Even Serena Williams was unexpectedly beaten down and eaten up by women hungrier than the insatiable grand slam queen, especially towards the twilight of her career. Only the most consistent dominate. But at least Emma and Leylah tasted grand slam delight in their teens.

Alex may go either way. If she sustains her momentum, she can go places starting with a debut in a grand slam main draw. Amanda Coetzer was dubbed the Little Assassin for slaying top players during her prime, including the great Steffi Graf. But the fearless South African failed to advance past a grand slam semifinal. At least she mattered. At 5’2”, it was unthinkable for her size and height to do some damage. But she reached a career high world number three.

Now ranked 75, Alexandra is however not your ordinary short Filipina. At 5’9”, she is tall, articulate and beautiful to be crowned beauty queen. But no, her natural beauty is already her crowning glory. No need to glam her up. Let her inspire girls to pick up the racket and develop their athleticism, rather than put on make up to romanticize vanity and fantasize artificial beauty.